ISLAMABAD, December 25 (Online): Congratulating the nation on 129th birth anniversary Quaid-e-Azam and on the occasion of Christmas President Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat have lauded the nation for demonstrating matchless unity in wake of October quake, asked the nation to rise above parochialism, provincialism and extremism and said that minorities are a sacred trust and Pakistan government is committed to protect their rights and privileges.

Calling upon all Pakistanis to instill in themselves the exceptional personal qualities which the Quaid-e-Azam possessed President Musharraf in his message said, "We need to inculcated in ourselves the spirit of dedication, high moral character and honesty of purpose coupled with the guiding principles of "Unity, Faith and Discipline" enunciated by the Quaid."

He said that by the Grace of Allah Almighty our country has embarked upon a course for realisation of the Quaidís vision and sustained efforts are being made for the economic, educational social, political and cultural uplift of Pakistan, we owe it to the memory of our great leader that Pakistan emerges a role mode for the Muslim Ummah and earns its rightful place in the comity of nations.

"I salute the people of Pakistan for demonstrating matchless unity in wake of October quake and we pledge to alleviate the sufferings of our quake affected brethren by rebuilding a better future for them."

On this day we must resolve to do much more than the customary practice of paying tributes to Quaid-e-Azam.

We must translate his moto faith, Unity and Discipline into reality and work resolutely and untiringly for the betterment of our people and for the greater glory of Pakistan.

Prime Minister Shuakat Aziz in his message said after independence we had to start from scratch. It was the spirit of unity, faith and discipline that Quaid-e-Azam infused into the people of Pakistan that made everyone its citizens to join hands and perform miracles that laid the foundations of a homeland for 100 million Muslim.

He said Today Pakistan is a strong country of 150 million people, maintaining a huge industrial and social infrastructure and is endeavoring to provide all possible necessities of life to its entire people.

He observed that our economy is on a strong footing as we have achieved a broad based, vibrant and robust economic growth spurred by domestic and foreign investment.

He further said in his message Pakistan is on its way to economic sovereignty as was envisioned by the Quaid.

Prime Minister further said this is the spirit that we displayed recently in the wake of the catastrophe in the parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and NWFP.

He said we need to keep this sprit alive to sever the interests of the people of Pakistan and our coming generations, added it will be, indeed, a befitting tribute to the father of the nation and congratulate the nation on the birthday of Jinnah.

Wishing heartiest greetings to Christian community all over the world and especially in Pakistan on the eve of Christmas today (Sunday), President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said that minorities are a sacred trust and Pakistan government is committed to protect their rights and privileges.

President Musharraf in his message said that all rights and privileges of minorities as enshrined in the constitution of Pakistan are being fully protected.

President said the people of Pakistan deeply value the tremendous contribution by the Christian community in all fields of endeavour, particularly in education and medicine.

"I would like to assure you on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan that we would continue to strive towards creating harmony amongst all communities in the country and protecting the rights and liberties of the minorities in Pakistan", he said.

In his message, the Prime Minister said that Jesus Christ brought a an abiding message of love, peace and compassion for humanity and todayís strife-torn world badly needs to act upon it.

He observed that Pakistan government in pursuit of its policy of enlightened moderation was committed to create congenial environment where all communities could lead their lives according to their faith.

Recalling Christians services especially in the fields of education and health, Mr Aziz hoped that they would continue to play their role for the well-being and uplift of the country in future also.

Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Muhammad Ijaz ul Haq greeted Christian community on Christmas and said that all the minorities are freely exercising their personal law according to their religious beliefs and faith in Pakistan.

The Minister said Pakistanís constitution guarantees protection for minorities rights and interests.

Pubic Sector Development Programme, the federal government is also funding various small development schemes for general welfare and uplift of the minorities in the country, he said.

He noted that government is also committed to take steps for bringing minorities into mainstream by providing equal opportunities of performance in every field without any discrimination.

Federal Minister of Law, Justice and Human Rights Wasi Zafar in his message on the occasion of Christmas said this time will serve to bring Pakistanis closer together and the spirit of good will and brotherhood will continue to infect the nation throughout the new year.

Wasi Zafar in his message at the occasion of Christmas said Christmas while being a Christian festival is universally celebrated and helps us to appreciate the innate value and importance of human relation, across the religion, class or political affiliation.

He further said as this time my thoughts are also with the earthquake victims and their families. But it convinces me that we are a caring nation and that because of the wonderful human value we share added we should be able to collectively respond to the crises and need t those in want.

End.

Reader Comments:

Would Musharraf & Shaukat Aziz safeguard Minorities rights?

The nation callas upon the President and the Prime Minister to instil in them the exceptional personal qualities that the Quaid-e-Azam possessed for a democratic Pakistan. Lokking through Quaid-e-Azam's eyes both rulers would be found guilty of putting democracy at the backburner. Is a "uniformed" president whose own credibility is doubtful in the eyes of both people and the media,competent to talk about putting a working democracy on sound tracks? The masses are so ignorant and gullible that any smart upstart can descend on the stage in the guise of Father Bhutto and carry them in a blind alley. But once the masses smell hypocracy in the leadership, which is surfacing, that becomes the end of the upstart.
A constitution without democracy is powerless. In the past it couldn't even defend itself. It is only a working democracy that provides staying power to both the minorities and the constitution itself.
One likes to make an earnest appeal to the media to, please, deflate the baloon of the so-called "ARD". There never was democracy in all its past history of Pakistan. So what are the "ARD" clowns trying to restore?
It is mediocrity in Pakistan at its most mediocre.

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